S2 E6: Moving Beyond the Silence: Advocacy, Funding, and the Future of Loss Support

In this vital episode, the host speaks with two pillars of the Pink Elephants Support Network—Chairperson Katrina Groshinsky and Board Director Emma Costello—to discuss the organization's journey from breaking the silence to achieving systemic change.Katrina and Emma reflect on how Pink Elephants has shifted its focus from simply talking about miscarriage to ensuring every woman in Australia who suffers loss, along with her family, receives evidence-based support and acknowledgement.Emma details the hard-fought advocacy work, noting that a key challenge was cutting through government noise to make the message heard. The breakthrough came with the federal government's announcement of a $9.5 million miscarriage package in 2025—a phenomenal success that represents overdue recognition for the community. She emphasizes that the system needs to change so that any woman experiencing loss—whether with a GP, in an ED, or a hospital—is met with the right information, resources, and, crucially, the right tone.Katrina highlights the critical win of Leave for Loss legislation (September 2021), which granted women and their partners the right to take time to grieve, acknowledging the devastating mental health and productivity issues caused by returning to work too quickly.While the government funding is "very welcome and needed," it is tied to specific programs (tailored digital support, peer support, and advocacy). Both leaders stress that it doesn't cover the broader advocacy work, noting an 85% oversubscription to services, which tragically forces them to turn women away.The conversation concludes with a shared vision of hope for the future. Their goals include: A "virtual circle of support" around every woman experiencing loss. Achieving better data collection through a question on the census, believing that "what gets counted, gets funded." Ensuring universal support and referral for all women, regardless of location or cultural background, affirming that support is a fundamental human right.EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS SUPPORTIf you or someone you know has experienced miscarriage or early pregnancy loss, please know you are not alone. For crisis support, please call Lifeline - 13 11 14. Access all our support Connect through Live Chat with Peer Support Join Online Communities Call out Pregnancy Loss helpline delivered by PANDA Join the Circle of support Follow @pinkelephantssupport on instagram.